7 Alexa Features That Everyone Should Know About!

Alexa Features That You Can't Ignore!

There is absolutely no doubt that Alexa has made our lives way easier than they used to be. For instance, we can simply command Alexa to play a song instead of doing it ourselves. Similarly, we can even ask it to read us a book and various other tasks.

Nicole B, of SenseMother, quotes – 'With the ever-increasing release of Smart Home devices, Alexa is and will be among the best, all because of its unique features!'

However, not every user knows the various features that Alexa offers. Hence, in this article, we will talk about some of the most important Alexa features you shouldn't ignore.

So, read on.

Picture 1 of 7 Alexa Features That Everyone Should Know About!

1. Know The Traffic Details

In the busy world today, this Alexa feature can come to immediate use. So, if you want to decide when to go out or inform someone about your estimated time of arrival, consider asking Alexa about the traffic details.

However, if you want to use this feature, you need to configure a few settings. Here's what you need to do:

1. 1. First, go to the Alexa app on your phone.
2. 2. Then, in More, choose Settings.
3. 3. In the Settings option, you will find Traffic.
4. 4. Then, simply add the address of the place where you want to go, like the office or school.

Once you have configured the settings, you can ask Alexa about the traffic! Doesn't it sound convenient?

2. Change Any Wake Word

The wake word basically stands for the name you want to command your device with. By default, it is Alexa.

But, this can get tricky if you have a family member, named Alexa or even, Alex. It is because whenever you say any variations of the word 'Alexa', the device will become active.

In such a situation, Alexa has a feature that lets you change the wake word itself. All you need to do is follow these steps:

1. 1. First, go to the Alexa app.
2. 2. Then, in the Devices option, click on Select your Echo.
3. 3. Next, go to the Settings, and choose Wake Word.
4. 4. Then, you can choose a new wake word from the list.

Once done, you can command Alexa with its new wake word. If it doesn't work, then, for fixing Alexa common issue, visit this site.

3. Buy Things Using Alexa

Do you feel too lazy to check your Amazon shopping account repeatedly for order updates or deals? In this case, you can use Alexa to assist you with shopping too!

You just need to give the command 'Order [item]'. Then, you will get the item in your cart. Similarly, you can also check for order summary and complete the payment using the added bank account.

However, note that, if you have any kids at your home, they may misuse this feature. In such a case, Alexa also allows you to turn off this feature in the following manner:

1. 1. First, go to the Alexa app.
2. 2. Then, in More, choose Settings options.
3. 3. In settings, choose Account Settings options.
4. 4. Finally, you will find Voice Purchasing. Turn off the toggle here.

For further protection, you can also add a pin for voice purchasing. So, whenever you want to shop, you will have to say this pin.

4. Listen To Audiobooks Using Alexa

Every book lover should definitely know about this feature. Sometimes, if you're busy with some household chores, and want to listen to your audiobook, then Alexa can help. You just need to speak the command - 'Alexa, read me my book.'

But, note that, you need to have an account on Audible, an app with a huge collection of audiobooks. Then, if you command Alexa, it will play your audiobook from wherever you stopped.

Apart from books, you may even listen to the daily news, like BBC New, using Alexa.

5. Let Alexa Make Your Home a Smart Home

As kids, a lot of us dreamt of having a smart home, so we wouldn't have to get up to turn off the lights. Well, with Alexa, your dream of having a smart home can come true.

One of the most underrated yet amazing features of Alexa is that it control other devices in your house. But, the catch here is that these devices have to be compatible with Alexa. So, if you're planning to buy a new electronic device, try going for the one that works with Alexa.

6. Allow Alexa To Secure Your Home

If you travel often, then home security becomes a grave matter. In this situation, Alexa can even guard your house by monitoring and recording any unfamiliar sounds. This way, you can know if your house was secure or not.

But, you need to make a few changes to your Amazon Echo before going ahead. Here's what you need to do:

1. 1. First, go to the Alexa app.
2. 2. Then, in the More option, choose Settings.
3. 3. In Settings, you will find the Guard option at the bottom, and a few instructions to set it up.

If you want additional security, you may also buy Guard Plus. This feature costs extra but, if it detects any suspicious activities in your house, it will contact the authorities immediately.

7. Play Music On Several Devices At The Same Time

This Alexa feature works miraculously well for all party lovers. After all, you don't need an expensive music system to play music in every room.

You can ask your friends to bring their Amazon Echo devices and keep one in each room. Then, you can connect them together to play music on all of them at the same time.

Here is how you can connect all the Amazon Echo devices:

1. 1. First, open the Alexa app, and in that, choose Devices.
2. 2. In Devices, tap the + symbol. Then, you can add your Amazon Echo devices.
3. 3. Once you have selected your devices, click on Add Group.
4. 4. After you have made a group, simply say the command Alexa, play music [group name].

Hence, you'll have an entire music system!

Final Thoughts

Alexa, with its advanced technology, can make our daily lives extremely easy. Yet, most of us only use it to listen to music. But, with the help of this article, we hope you can explore its unique features too. Once you do, your entire daily schedule can become seamless.

Lesley Montoya

Update 26 August 2021